COSPLAYER INTERVIEW: Sophia John

Profession: I have a venture called Fantastories where I write personalised fan fiction stories as gifts.

Why do you cosplay?

I am an avid, keen, eager, enthusiastic, ardent, passionate, devoted, dedicated, fervent, zealous, fanatical, voracious, insatiable fantasy fiction reader! I have been devouring fantasy books exclusively for three years. And within those three years, I always had the yearning to dress up like the characters. I didn’t know there was a word for it until earlier this year nor that there was such a big community, especially in India which I am very, very thankful to find.

What was your latest Cosplay?

That would be Samila Sayeh from the Lightbringer series authored by Brent Weeks for an online Halloween costume contest By Brent. I came in second among many international entries and I was really thrilled and gratified by the acknowledgement of my skills this early in my journey. By the author himself! Especially as there are generally no references for book characters.

How long did it take you to make this cosplay? Were there challenges in the design?

Well, this wasn’t a time-consuming cosplay. I am just starting out plus I do not have many resources to make complicated costumes. Cosplay ultimately is quite an expensive hobby! I like to modify stuff that I already have. I did this at the last minute, a few hours before it was due. The first challenge in a book cosplay is generally that you have no references and that it is completely your imagination. Secondly, my character, Samila, is supposed to have completely blue eyes, even the iris of it. I did not have lenses nor could I afford to buy them. So, I figured glittery blue eyeshadow with a black kajal outline should work well. And it did! It does seem a very simple solution in hindsight. Also, Samila’s hands are covered in a blue crystal-like substance which was also made with eyeshadow and kajal. The cloak is from a cosplay I had done previously.

Your favorite cosplay you’ve done so far?

That would be Moiraine Sedai from the Wheel of Time series. It’s an all-time favourite series of mine and the biggest I have read till date. I cosplayed her on day 2 of the Mumbai Comic Con. While I got much more attention and recognition as Wonder Woman on day 1, Moiraine is closer to my heart. Also as fantasy fiction is a lesser known genre in books in India, I feel cosplay events are a good way to let people know the treasure they can find here.

What’s your favourite convention?

Mumbai Comic Con 2016 was my debut as a cosplayer in an on-ground event and the only one.

How long have you been into cosplay?

Formally, it’s been less than a year.

What was your first costume? Advice for anyone just starting out?

Wonder Woman. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Look for communities on Facebook that support beginners. It’s a great place to up your confidence level. It’s a difficult hobby to pursue without money but if you look hard enough, you can find good solutions.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From videos and posts that get shared on Facebook. Also posts in cosplay groups.

What are you working on next?

I have a secret mega cosplay project I am working on. All I can tell is that it’s going to be a different take on a Game of Thrones character. This might take a few months, though. My short term goal is to make a Catwoman mask.

By day I'm a boring old Web Developer, but as the sun goes down, I'm a SUPERHERO. Well not really I just dress up and pretend to be one. "Centurions" was my favorite cartoon growing up and I name all my possessions "Shadow" because I can't afford a Husky. I camp in Games like it's nobody's business, and if you've got a problem with that I've got two words for ya "I'm Sorry", cause you're a noob.